Final Salute

Robert “Bob” Allen Polzkill, 74, died peacefully at home Friday, August 13, 2021, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Solt-Wagner Community Room on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 4 pm with a visiting time starting at 3 pm. Be there or be square, no jeans or capris please.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later time and condolences can be sent to www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Bob was born on May 7, 1947 to Bernard L. and Donna (Horn) Polzkill in Kearney. He started primary school in Brady before moving to Central City where he would eventually graduate in 1965 (in spite of occasionally skipping school to play pool or smoke cigarettes in the quarry). In April 1966, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy SeaBees, the Naval Construction Battalion. He served two consecutive tours of duty in Vietnam, leaving just before the start of the Tet Offensive. Bob received his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in July 1969.

Following his time in the Seabees, Bob moved to California and made the Monterey Bay Area his home for the next 35 years. He attended Monterey Peninsula College and supported himself as a busboy at the Pine Inn where he was once chased with a meat cleaver after insulting the chef’s soup. Bob left school to start working as a journeyman plasterer, eventually becoming a contractor and starting his own business, Bay Plastering. His strong work ethic made him a respected businessman and allowed him to leave his mark on homes and businesses all over Monterey, Big Sur, Salinas, and Pacific Grove.

Bob returned to Central City in 2004. An avid bowler, he decided to become the owner/operator of the local bowling alley, Lone Tree Lanes, until it closed. He then became a seasonal employee for the City of Central City, taking care of the cemetery and parks. He took great pride in his work and continued in his duties until shortly before his passing.

Bob had a lifelong love of music and inspired that same love in his family, especially his children. Always eager to share his encyclopedic knowledge, he frequently played songs he’d recommend, prefacing each with “When you hear this one…” He loved to dance and attended many dances, festivals, and concerts throughout his life. Bob also enjoyed motorcycle riding, golf, gardening, and watching sports or Nascar races on TV.

Bob was a proud member of the American Legion for 50 years, often serving on the Color Guard. He was also a member of the V.F.W. and the B.P.O. Elks.

Bob’s greatest loves in life were his wife, Jean, who he spent 37 years with, his children, and his grandchildren who adored him. He treasured time with his extended family and his role as “Uncle Bob”. He did not know a stranger and always made the time to visit with people. He enjoyed sitting on the porch and waving at those who passed by. He was a good neighbor wherever he lived, always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be remembered for his wry humor and his crackling laughter, which he was generous with.

In his own words, Bob was “just an ordinary man.”

He’s suvived by his wife Jean Polzkill of Central City; children, Nathan Polzkill of Tuolumne, California, Jason (Christina) Whitt of Gilroy, California, Randy Whitt of Central City, Alexis Polzkill (Adam Saltzman) of Lincoln, Leah (Matthew) Paup of Central City and Suzanne Polzkill (Kevin Schinck) of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jason Whitt Jr., Ethan Paup, Carter Paup, Nathan Polzkill Jr., Evelyn Saltzman, Simon Saltzman, Matilda Paup, Cecilia Saltzman and Finnegan “Ham” Polzkill-Schinck; Brother, Ben (Cherry) Polzkill of Philippines; Sisters, Karan (Dennis) Dunn of Lincoln, Diana Williford of Philippines and Rhonda (Barry) Blue of Omaha; Mother-in-Law, Helen King of Central City; Sister-in-Law, Debbie King; Brothers-in-Law, James (Ina) King and Leo King, as well as many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Homer & Lily (Johnson) Horn, Bernard W. and Leota (Meyer) Polzkill; Step-father, Henry Mate; Father-in-Law, Leo King; Sister-in-law Claire Polzkill; and Brothers-in-law, Jay King and Curtis Williford.